Roadshow comes to Sale

WorkSafe’s Deputy Chief Executive is speaking to Gippsland businesses in Sale today as part of a statewide campaign to raise awareness of workplace health and safety.

More than 120 people are expected to attend the 60-minute session, which will be held at the Princeton Motor Lodge and Conference Centre.

WorkSafe Deputy Chief Executive, Ian Forsyth, will cover a range of topics, including the latest developments in workplace safety practices, injury insurance and helping injured people back to work.

“Visiting and speaking with businesses and workers across regional Victoria is crucial,” Mr Forsyth said.

“Twelve of the 23 work-related deaths in 2010 were in regional Victoria, including seven people in agriculture.

“The reality is that people living in regional Victoria are four times more likely than city dwellers to be admitted to hospital as a result of a work injury.

“It is imperative that Gippslanders stop and think about what is ultimately important to them and what they can do to prevent more tragedies.

“Consultation with the workforce, setting standards and ensuring they’re adhered to is the start of developing safer workplaces,” he said.

There have been eight work-related deaths so far this year, including a 94-year-old farmer who died in a quad bike crash on his property at Hedley in South Gippsland.

Almost 970 injuries in the Wellington Shire were reported to WorkSafe over the last five financial years. Treatment and rehabilitation costs for these workers - paid for through their employer’s workplace injury premiums – exceeded $18 million.

The roadshow is designed to provide a “one stop shop” where people can be updated on recent or coming developments and be given the opportunity to discuss matters of concern with WorkSafe staff.

This year’s focus will be on the introduction of national workplace health and safety laws which take effect in 2012.

Information to help businesses comply with their obligation to help return injured people to work, safety priorities and upcoming changes to employer premiums will also be discussed.

Twenty roadshows sessions are being held across the state as part of the campaign, including 11 in regional Victoria.